Friday, February 3, 2012

This blog is almost a week late, but I finally did it! I did all of the 20 minute jog that is part of the couch to 5k program. I did it this past Sunday. I was planning to meet my mom to walk that afternoon, but something in me just felt like jogging. My mother has not even gone walking in almost a year, so I knew jogging was out of the question for her. What to do? What to do? I decided to go 30 minutes early.
I had previously jogged with Sam for 11 minutes, so that is what I was planning to do. I did a few quick stretches and I started with my warm-up. I usually do a 10 min walking warm-up, but I really felt the urge to jog so after 5 min I took off. I told myself I was not even going to look at my watch until I jogged to a certain point (which is about 1.4 miles). I didn't make it lol! There came a point when I was thinking I need to stop, so I checked the watch. I was at 12:14. I immediately thought, hey this is longer than I jogged with Sam, so I can stop now and feel like I accomplished something. My calves were starting to burn, and I remembered Sam telling me that he knew I could do 20 min if I really put in the effort. I also thought that I only had 8 min until the 20 and if I stopped now that I would always wonder if I could do it. So, I kept going. I looked at the watch again at 14:36 and I was really at my stopping point (or so I thought), but then one of my favorite workout songs came on the ipod (Janet Jackson - Make Me). This gave me the burst I needed. Not too much longer after that I saw my mom drive up. I looked at the clock again and I was just over 18 minutes. At this point I realized I was really going to do this. I jogged by my mom and held up 1 finger so she knew I would be back in a minute and kept jogging. The next time I looked at my watch it said 20:36.

I forgot where I was and I screamed and pumped my hands in the air. I was literally on the verge of tears. I told my mom what happened and got words of encouragement and a hi-five from her. Then I sent a text to Sam and he sent 3 or 4 "I'm so proud of you," "I always knew you could do it" kinds of texts. I can't even explain how I felt when I finished. I felt like some kind of warrior princess! I never thought I would be able to jog 20 minutes nonstop. I remember when jogging 60 seconds was a struggle, and I'm not exaggerating. My legs used to hurt and I would be out of breath after jogging 60 seconds. In some ways that seems like a lifetime ago, but I can remember it like it was yesterday. I ended up jogging 1.6 miles in 20 minutes. When I was done I walked another 1.5 miles with my mom. So, to anyone doing Couch to 5k, or any other running program, stick with it. If you have to repeat weeks, who cares, repeat it. JUST KEEP GOING! You can do it! You can do so much more than you can ever imagine. DO NOT GIVE UP EVER! Whew! I got excited all over again writing about it lo!

Quick Look at January Goals:
Try new exercise: I tried the Plank Knee Raise
I liked it. It was something different and it was challenging. I realized how much trying just one new thing can spice up a workout

Try a new food: I failed at this. I'll try to remember to try 2 for Feb to make up for it.

Oh, I have not jogged since last Sunday because I was supposed to jog again on Tuesday and ended up in a minor car accident. I guess the woman behind me decided a red light means keep your foot on the gas and she rear ended me as I was stopped at the light. I'm not cleared for exercise until tomorrow. I basically ended up with a lot of soreness in my neck, shoulder, and back and a headache.
I hope you all have a fantastic day and remember NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!

I think this is the 3rd time I've posted this song, but since it's the song that made me keep going:Janet Jackson - Make Me